This issue comprises of all latest energy developments/projects/news around the Pacific region. Also highlighting the Denarau Communique – Second Regional Meeting of Pacific Ministers of Energy and Transport (Aviation and Maritime).

Once again, hearty thanks to those who have contributed to the current issue and we welcome comments/suggestions on the newsletter.

We are also inviting contributions for Issue 16 of the newsletter, which will be released at the end of October 2014.

Monday 14 July 2014, Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), Suva, Fiji –

Access to affordable and reliable energy sources is key to enhancing sustainable livelihoods in Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs), as it decreases the reliance on imported petroleum fuel, which is seen as a major threat to energy security in the region.

Significant increases in petroleum prices in 2007–2008 had serious consequences for Pacific Island economies, constraining growth and development prospects, and in some cases reducing socio-economic gains.

While many countries in the region have set ambitious renewable energy targets and implemented various energy efficiency and conservation measures, the progress towards achieving these targets has been slow. This is largely due to limited national expertise in renewable energy and energy efficiency, lack of access to financing and low levels of planning capacity.

Last month, the North Pacific ACP Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency project (North-REP) implemented by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and funded by the European Union, completed the refurbishment of the Nanpil hydropower plant, located approximately 5 km south of Kolonia, the capital of Pohnpei State in Federated States of Micronesia (FSM).